Riyadh Region Municipality will host the 61st World Council of Urban and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) in the capital Riyadh tomorrow, in partnership with the International Society of City and Regional Planners. The event will take place from 1 to 4 December 2025 under the theme: “Cities and Regions in Motion: Planning Pathways Toward Resilience and Quality of Life.”

Hosting this global event reflects the growing urban prominence of the capital and its rising role as an international platform for dialogue on the future of cities an open laboratory for innovative urban experimentation aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build prosperous, efficient cities capable of keeping pace with rapid urban transformations.

The council provides an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships among experts, planners, and city leaders, while highlighting Riyadh’s efforts in developing modern urban environments that support quality of life, enhance infrastructure efficiency, and leverage data and advanced technologies in resource management and development.

This year’s council will address a wide spectrum of urban issues, including climate resilience, digital transformation, inclusive governance, urban equity, and quality of life. It will also explore challenges related to population growth, natural resource management, development of critical infrastructure, adoption of innovative data-driven and AI-supported planning models, and the pursuit of more sustainable pathways for urban development.

The council’s program includes plenary sessions featuring ministers, mayors, and leaders of global organizations, as well as interactive workshops bringing together leading planners, engineers, and international experts. It will also offer specialized masterclasses and field tours across key urban sites in Riyadh, showcasing the major transformations underway in urban design, population growth management, public space development, housing, transportation, and infrastructure.

The event will also witness the launch of several notable initiatives, most prominently the Young Planners Initiative, which gives the new generation the opportunity to articulate their visions for the future of cities and regions. Additionally, high-level political forums will bring together city leaders and decision-makers to outline new directions for sustainable urban development.

This year’s council coincides with the International Society of City and Regional Planners’ celebration of its 60th anniversary an occasion that reflects the organization’s longstanding expertise and global influence in advancing urban planning practices. Hosting the council in Riyadh marks one of the largest international events in urban and regional planning ever held in the region.

This hosting aligns with the major urban transformations taking place in the capital and its ambitious aspirations to become a leading global city in urban design, sustainable planning, growth management, and the development of integrated living environments that enhance quality of life while leveraging Riyadh’s strategic position and its growing regional and international role.